“My day was not “typical,” but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

I was able to hang with just my mom while getting ready. I love my friends, family and sister very much, but this time meant a lot to me. She was very stressed that day (because that’s how she is) and it was good to get her away from everything and focus solely on me/her.

 

I had my dad take me to the first look pictures. That made him get ready earlier, but it was truly a special moment for him and me. We didn’t have an aisle to walk down so I don’t think I got the same feeling as my sister when she got married (in terms of my dad) so this few extra moments with just him was extra special.

 

The whole morning, the day didn’t sink in. I obviously knew what day it was, but the gravity and importance of the day didn’t fully sink in until right before the ceremony when my dad looked at me and said, “Just Breathe.”

 

I walked to Phil and looking at him and the way he looked at me just made me feel safe and reassured me that I was making the right choice, that he would be there for me no matter what. It was perfect, and we were the only ones there in that moment.

 

We have had a lot of compliments on our timeline (from those that were invited to everything) especially the private dinner. There were a lot of people who wished they would have been invited to the ceremony. Our day was done EXACTLY how we wanted it with the people that should have been there.

 

The only thing I would have done differently, and from the sounds of it, most brides would, would be to take more time to let it sink in. Don’t feel rushed, it will all work out and there are plenty of people who will ensure it will as everyone (especially females) understand that that day is about you and your husband and you and him should worry about nothing!”

 

– Brett Dane, newlywed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Creative Team

Florist: Bouillon Flower & Garden; Greene, IA

Caterer: Dinner at Waterstreet Grill; Waverly, IA

Hair stylist(s): Katarina Rajsic

Make up artist(s): Katarina Rajsic

Cakes & Desserts: Amanda Hambly

Music & Entertainment (Reception): Abby Road Entertainment dJ: Zach hoover

Bride’s dress: Davids Bridal, Cedar Rapids, IA

Groom’s attire: Love & Lace, Waverly, IA

Ceremony site: Three Rivers Park in Waverly, IA

 

 

 

All images ©2017 Chelsea Higgins, all rights reserved

Chelsea Dawn Weddings is an Iowa wedding photographer, serving the Cedar Valley (Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Waverly) as well as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, the Quad Cities, and everywhere in between!  While most of my weddings take place in Iowa, I occasionally travel for destination weddings as well.  Special consideration for Hawaiian elopements and Colorado mountaintop weddings.